The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering on its commitment to restore local control of communities to Aboriginal people, strengthen service delivery and foster self-determination through important reform.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Development Steve Edgington said a new ward structure for the Groote Archipelago Regional Council (GARC) offered fairer and more localised representation to residents.
"This is an exciting time for communities across the region and particularly for the Groote Archipelago Region in the lead-up to their first council election," said Mr Edgington.
Previously comprised of one ward, GARC will now have three wards representing distinct areas of the archipelago - West Ward, Central Ward and East Ward - as a result of strong community sentiment.
Mr Edgington said the introduction of additional wards ensured all communities in the Groote Archipelago Region (GAR) were represented in local governance, including residents in smaller communities, such as Milyakburra.
"The new ward structure is an important step in making sure the establishment of the council is built on a strong foundation of fairness, inclusivity, and representation," said Mr Edgington.
"In addition, it will create opportunities for local community members to have a more active role in community development and decision-making processes."
On 18 October last year, in response to strong community feedback, Mr Edgington postponed elections for the new GARC until 15 March 2025 to allow time for detailed community consultations on the council's governance and representative structure.
"The residents of the Groote Archipelago Region spoke, and the CLP Government listened as we worked with Aboriginal people to empower the community to have a greater say and provide a structure that reflects what the community wants," said Mr Edgington.
"Now it's the turn of community members to put their hands up by becoming candidates and running for council."
Supported by GARC and Anindilyakwa Land Council (ALC), extensive community consultation was undertaken on the Groote archipelago to ensure proposed ward boundaries aligned with local community and cultural considerations. Consultations were enhanced through Aboriginal interpreters, ensuring community voices were heard.
GARC Constituting Member Mr Michael Malouf AM said: "We welcome the announcement of the Minister to establish a new ward structure for the Groote Archipelago Regional Council."
"This is on the basis that there was strong feedback from all communities on Groote for the new Council to be established in the right way from the beginning with the three wards," said Mr Malouf.
Anindilyakwa Land Council Chairperson Cherelle Wurrawilya said: "My people have fought hard for many years to see the return of Local Government to Anindilyakwa communities, and we welcome this decision to empower Anindilyakwa voices by establishing a new ward structure, to ensure that the new council is established the right way from the beginning."
The resulting three-ward structure for GARC will comprise of two elected representatives from the East Ward and West Ward, and three elected representatives from the Central Ward.
"I encourage all residents of Groote Archipelago Region to make sure they are registered to vote and that their details are up to date," said Mr Edgington.
Nominations will open on 31 January for the 15 March election.
